Heather Hahn Named New Editor of Arkansas United Methodist
03-19-2009
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette religion reporter Heather Hahn has been named editor of the Arkansas United Methodist and will begin work on the newspaper this month.
Hahn has 11 years of reporting and editing experience at newspapers in Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas.
“We are excited to have Heather take up the editorial reins at Arkansas United Methodist,” said Martha Taylor, Director of Communications for the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church. “Her excellent writing skills, her curiosity about United Methodists in Arkansas and her enthusiasm for the job make her the perfect fit.”
Jane Dennis, nationally recognized editor of Arkansas United Methodist, announced her retirement in February after 21 years of service. A reception in her honor is being planned for April 22.
“Jane has been a tremendous asset to the church in Arkansas for more than 20 years,” said Taylor. “We will miss her personally as well as her writing and editorial skills.” Taylor added that Dennis will work with Hahn during the transition period and that readers can look forward to reading Dennis’ work as she will continue to write occasionally for the paper on a freelance basis.
Hahn earned a Master of Science in Journalism from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts from Austin College in Sherman, Texas. She began her career as a copy editor at the Galveston County Daily News in 1998. Hahn started working as a religion reporter in 2000 at the Monroe, Louisiana News-Star and joined the staff of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in 2004.
Her writing has been recognized with awards for feature writing and education writing from the Louisiana-Mississippi Associated Press Managing Editors, the Education Writers Association and the Louisiana Press Association. She and her husband, Michael, live in Little Rock.
Hahn’s first day as Arkansas United Methodist editor was March 16. She may be reached by email at hhahn@arumc.org or by phone at 501.324.8000 or toll free at 877.646.1816. Article submissions should be sent to Hahn at hhahn@arumc.org or Arkansas Conference, 2 Trudie Kibbe Reed Drive, Little Rock, AR 72202.
